Periodicals Postage Paid at Philadelphia, PA 100 east Northwestern avenue Philadelphia, Pa 19118 sSummer 2011e asoNVolume 40 sNumber 2 Seasons newsletter is printed ­­­on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper, which supports the growth of responsible forest Photo: Judy Miller management worldwide through its international standards. Garden Railway 2011 – Painted Ladies – Opening Saturday, May 28th “Nobody seems to think of building a sober house!” a New York Times writer said of san Francisco in 1883. This summer, discover replicas of these glorious Victorian homes at the morris arboretum’s Garden railway Display. Clothed in happy, vibrant colors, Painted Ladies will transport you to san Francisco or Cape may – all within the magical setting of a miniature garden made entirely of natural materials. Photo: Paul Busse B | m o r r i s a r B o r e t u m A Note from the Director C o n t e n t s Paul W. Meyer, The F. Otto Haas Director seasoNs morris arboretum of the university of Pennsylvania sacred spaces at the 1 a Note from the Director Published quarterly as a benefit of membership. Inquiries concerning back issues, missing issues, or subscriptions morris arboretum should be addressed to the editor. 3 Words on sacred spaces s an undergraduate at smith College, morris arboretum intern shea Available on microfilm. 4 New Horticulture Center awarded Platinum Level Zwerver, was inspired by a visiting professor, randolf Hester, and USPS: 349-830. ISSN: 0893-0546 ® POSTMASTER: Send form 3759 to Newsletter, LeeD Certification his research on people’s perceptions of “sacred spaces.” sacred spaces 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118. a 5 a summer saunter may be different things to different people, but generally are places that are Christine Pape, Editor special or have significant personal meaning in a community or in our case, a The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is 6 Go Out on a Limb for Your Next special event garden. they may be considered especially beautiful, enlivening, or simply a an educational institution that promotes an understanding quiet oasis. Perhaps, it may be the site of an important life event or a special of the important relationships between plants and 7 annual Fund update people. The Arboretum conducts three major activities – childhood memory, or the place where one shared a last visit with a loved one. horticultural display, public and professional education, and botanical and horticultural research. 9 New Penn tree Program each of our nine interns is required to complete a special project during their Public Garden Hours: 10 Lydia morris Legacy society tenure that advances the goals of the morris arboretum. For shea’s work, she Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat/Sun, 10-5 (April - Oct.) 10 another Way to support Always Growing surveyed staff, volunteers and visitors about their personal sacred spaces at the Sat/Sun, 10-4 (Nov. - March) arboretum. she found that after a little explanation of “sacred places,” those Thurs. 10-8:30 (June, July, August) 11 spider mites responding had strong ideas and attitudes about their sacred spaces. these Information: views can help guide us as we allocate resources and steward the arboretum’s (215) 247-5777 12 membership News www.morrisarboretum.org rich and varied landscapes. http://www.upenn.edu/paflora 13 Costa rica and New Zealand trips many of the responses were as we might predict. the arboretum’s central Guided Tours: 14 a “Green” Green Lawn feature, the rose garden was one favorite. a totally different and less prominent Photo: Nick Kelsh Every Sat/Sun, 2 p.m. landscape, the wetland, was another. But many of those responding cited Visitor Entrance: 15 Classes, Lectures and seminars 100 East Northwestern Avenue between more obscure, small, quiet corners of the arboretum as “their secret” sacred place. these included places well off the paved Germantown and Stenton Avenues in the 15 summer Concert series paths like the Japanese Hill and Water Garden, Lydia’s seat, tucked away overlooking the rose Garden, and the rock outcrop Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia which presides over the Wissahickon. unusual responses included the fish pond behind Gates Hall, the rock ruins behind These articles may not be reproduced in any form without 16 summer events the permission of the editor. the Katsura tree, the Baxter memorial, the weeping hemlock in the far corner of the parking lot, the now deceased swamp white oak, and the squirrel scramble on Out on a Limb. shea reports, “these responses were so interesting because people ©2011 Copyright by the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. 5500 / 5.11 / PM were very specific, they would say things such as: ‘sitting under the Katsura tree, or sitting on the stone bridge down in the Photo: Keith Snyder sculpture garden.’” a few even expressed a reluctance to share their sacred place, because it is indeed so sacred to them that they want to keep it for themselves! You can read a sampling of visitor’s reflections on their sacred spaces on page 3. arboretum rentals Hold your special event in one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful settings. The Widener Center and Whatever the place, i have been struck by the intensity of the feelings evoked as people discuss their sacred space. it is clear surrounding grounds are available for weddings, that these spaces are a source of serenity, comfort or spiritual retreat for many. and it is a big part of why they love the parties, and private and corporate meetings up to arboretum. For those of us who work at the arboretum, both staff and volunteers, it is a validation of the importance of our 170 guests. For details contact Adele Waerig, Visitor Services Coordinator, at (215) 247-5777, ext. 158. work and mission. though shea’s intern project is complete, i would like to encourage the continuation of this dialogue on sacred spaces. i invite e-newsletter Would you like to receive our monthly e-newsletter you to visit http://morrisarboretum.blogspot.com/2011/05/sacred-spaces.html and share the story of your sacred place at the and other Arboretum updates via email? It’s a arboretum and why it is important to you, your family and friends. We will all enjoy and learn from your experiences. great way for you to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, register online and help us save trees! i give a big thanks to shea for launching this project. it is one of many examples of how each year, each new class of interns Email [email protected] to be added. To address the problems of SPAM, many brings a fresh crop of ideas to the arboretum. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and email systems now block or filter email that is not from a “safe sender.” Please add [email protected] and [email protected] to your list of accepted senders or friends list if you wish to receive this information. Cover Photo – Paul Meyer 1 | m o r r i s a r B o r e t u m S e asons SUMMER 2011 | 2 W ords on S acred S paces at the A R b oretum “The witchhazels remind me that life goes on even in the snow and ice.” “I enjoy the free-standing green house Fernery – the clean smell, green colors, life everywhere. It is so peaceful.” “The step fountain New Horticulture Center awarded is my sacred space because it feels ® small and secret Platinum Level LeeD Certification and still has water.” he morris arboretum’s new Horticulture Center the newly-created Horticulture Center provides flexible has been awarded Platinum Level LeeD® work space for the arboretum’s horticulture, education, “I used to come to the Rose Certification, the highest rating of the us Green maintenance, and facilities staff, providing important t ® Garden to recuperate in Building Council (usGBC). LeeD (Leadership in energy infrastructure for staff and equipment. the 20,840-square- and environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent foot facility provides space for staff to manage their extensive the late 1950s. The center program for the design, construction and operation of high responsibilities for the morris arboretum’s 167-acre property fountain was dry, and I could performance green buildings. it is the first LeeD® Platinum in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. the sit there, sheltered from “The log cabin is special to certified building for the university of Pennsylvania, and complex features: the wind in winter cold. only the second in the state of Pennsylvania. me. I tell my grandchildren Virtually no one came to the • 24 office spaces it is Cinderella’s house and this highest level distinction from the us Green Building Arboretum in those days, • two conference rooms ask them to run up and see so I had the entire place to Council signifies a great achievement for the morris if she is home. She must myself. I was recuperating arboretum. the complex utilizes modern sustainable • Kitchen energy and water management technologies, reflecting the be very busy since we have from Post Traumatic Stress stewardship and teaching intentions of morris arboretum’s • Break room not found her at home.” and I desperately needed founders, John and Lydia morris. the Horticulture Center is • men’s and women’s locker rooms solitude.” an exhibit of the best sustainable practices of our time. • Carpentry shop “i have been anticipating this day for nearly 30 years. We are very grateful to all the many contributors to the Always • Storage for arboretum vehicles including trucks, garden “The strong “The open spaces and long uninterrupted views are Growing Campaign that made this project possible, led by carts, lawn mowers and other large equipment history of the just as important as any “place” to provide rest and Dodo Hamilton, the Haas Family, ed rendell, former the Horticulture Center was designed by architects from metasequoias repose, and relief from visual stimulation.” Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and overland Partners of san antonio, tX, muscoe martin of is fascinating.